An early morning fire and explosion severely damaged a Treme apartment building, but the New Orleans Fire Department said 13 residents were unharmed. They had evacuated the building or been accounted for.

The smoke at 1722 Esplanade Ave. was first noticed at 5:27 a.m. Saturday (May 10) by firefighters returning from another call, NOFD spokesman Michael Williams said. He said two other firefighters on their way to start their morning shift also called in the fire and began helping residents evacuate the building, a large historic house that had been converted into a 12-unit apartment complex.

Other occupants were awakened by two residents of the building, who heard smoke detectors sounding and began knocking on neighbors' doors.

During the evacuation, the NOFD said there was an explosion that blasted one wall away from the three-story, wood-framed structure, making the flaming building unstable. By the time the first of 29 fire units arrived four minutes after the first call, the large divided house and attic were engulfed in flames, Williams said. Eventually, the roof and third floor of the building collapsed.

Firefighters said 11 of the 12 apartment units were occupied by 13 residents, two of whom were not home at the time. The NOFD said all residents had been accounted for, however, and no injuries were reported.

Jon Trammell, a resident of the building's second floor, said he had time to dress and put on shoes but not to gather valuables. He said he and other residents watched the home burn, then he walked two blocks to Lil' Dizzy's Cafe for breakfast.

The NOFD said 73 firefighters battled the blaze, after the fourth alarm was sounded at 6:20 a.m. The fire was reported under control at 7:14 a.m., but firefighters were still extinguishing hot spots as the afternoon began.

The American Red Cross was on scene, assisting displaced residents with food, clothing and shelter, the NOFD said. Personnel from Entergy Gas and Electric and New Orleans police also responded to the call.